Zvonareva, Ivanovic advance at PTT Pattaya Open

Vera Zvonareva is looking for her third straight title at the PTT Pattaya Open. The top-seeded Russian started off well, with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Tamira Paszek in the first round. Actually, in the first set Zvonareva had a 1-3 deficit, but overcame it and will next play 475th-ranked Thai qualifier, Nungnadda Wannasuk. Zvonareva now has a 13-2 record at the PTT Pattaya Open and her Tuesday’s win is her 11th straight at this tournament.

Second seed Ana Ivanovic was playing only her second WTA match of the season, after her first-round exit at the Australian Open, and beat Nudnida Luangnam 6-0 6-2. By the way, Ivanovic’s trial period with Portuguese coach Antonio van Griche has ended, and they are not continuing their cooperation.

Seventh seed Zheng Jie was taken out by Akgul Amanmuradova, 6-4 7-6(6). She was the only seed that fell on Tuesday. Last year’s finalist Tamarine Tanasugarn is also out, as Ayumi Morita defeated her 6-3 6-2.

First i totally agreed with Ana’s choice, but right now I’m not so sure. It’s true Heinz wouldn’t be around all the time, but he had such relaxing influence on Ana and made her have some confidence again, which is crucial for her. Right now it seems she’s struggling again, she’s now in quarters with a 2:1 win, but time will tell.